Brown Recluse Spider

Brown Recluse Spider

Also known as fiddle-back or violin spiders because of the violin shape mark on their back

Generally between 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch (about the size of a quarter)

Light to medium brown

6 eyes; most spiders have 8

Prefers undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, sheds, closets, piles of clothes left on the floor, unworn shoes and work gloves, and garages

Bites most often happen when their isolated spot is disturbed and they feel threatened

Venomous bite-most bites result in a self-healing mild lesion; others result in necrotic skin lesions that can take a long time to heal and leave permanent scars; on occasion, the bite can result in a systemic reaction and can be life threatening, especially in young children, the elderly, or people with weak immune systems.